Coppola: Tough decision to leave Hellas Verona

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Defender looking forward to Premier League challenge.

Charlie Hanson

2025-07-18T09:30+01:00

Diego Coppola has made two appearances for Italy. 📸 by James Boardman.

Diego Coppola faced what he called ‘a difficult decision’ to leave his boyhood club for Albion.

The 21-year-old came through the ranks with former club Hellas Verona, before going onto make 85 appearances for their first team.

“It was a bit difficult because it is the team where I have always played since I was a kid,” Diego explained. “I was a fan of Verona and it would have been nice to have stayed there and become captain and all that stuff.

“Since we were young, we had free tickets go and watch the games.

Diego Coppola scored in our pre-season friendly win over Stoke City. 📸 by James Boardman.

“I used to go there a lot and then started to play in the first team a few years ago, which was like a dream.

“Being in the Premier League was an even bigger dream so I have got to work and improve and make the best of it every day.

“I think Premier League is the Premier League and Brighton is Brighton. So I put my heart behind me and chose the goal I set.

“At Brighton I can improve a lot in training with the coaches, so it was not difficult stuff.”

The defender made a terrific first impression during his first appearance in an Albion shirt, scoring almost immediately after coming on in a 3-1 friendly win over Stoke City on Wednesday. He says though that he has plenty to learn.

“I think the Premier League is more intense, you have more quality. In Italy it is a lot of tactics in training and also in the game.

“There are games that you analyse the opposite team and the opposite team analyse you. So you just stay there and watch each other.

“I think the Premier League is all about counter-attacks - the game is more open. That is what I see because I have never played it – I can answer this question [better] when I have played.”